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So far, AC Milan have been largely impressive this season. However, they also must be aware that the difficult challenges are yet to start.
There can definitely be questions about the first Milan game of the season, and there can probably be some about the three that have followed since. However, they are more individually-based, rather than as a collective.
In fact, after the league defeat to Cremonese, there were certainly a few who feared that nothing much had changed. The results since then, though, prove that almost everything has.
A paradoxical timing
Win, win, win, and a win in the Coppa Italia this week. The Rossoneri sit third in the Serie A rankings, only a win off the top spot, which is currently occupied by Napoli. So, this weekend offers a chance to establish themselves as a Scudetto contender.
However, it is also the start of a challenging period. As Calciomercato.com writes, there are two ‘high-profile’ games ahead of the break: this weekend’s game against Napoli and then Juventus just before the internationals.
Two very difficult fixtures, but there can be suggestions that they arrive at the right time for the Rossoneri, creating a paradox. It is almost like a video game, how things become more difficult for the Diavolo, a progressive step system over the first six games in Serie A.
Bologna and Udinese were passed with flying colours, and Allegri’s tactics are proving to be right for the club. Now, it must be seen if they are right for the top.
Napoli, so far, are perfect in Serie A, four games, four wins. However, they are not a perfect machine, and Antonio Conte has looked to ease expectations, perhaps, in the past few weeks. Elsewhere, they come into this game with injuries. So, this is another factor that goes into the game’s favour.
Allegri vs. Conte, a story in itself, will be a game of tactics, as it so often is. It is the first ‘huge’ test for both teams, and both, really, need to prevail. It really will be a ‘test of truth’.
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